Washington — President Biden on Friday awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to 19 recipients, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Vice President Al Gore and Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky .
“These nineteen Americans have built teams, coalitions, movements, organizations and businesses that have shaped America for the better. They are the pinnacle of leadership in their field. They have consistently demonstrated during their career the power of community, hard work and service.” the White House said in a statement.
This is the second time that Mr. Biden receives the Presidential Medals of Freedom. The latest round of recipients includes living and deceased honorees.
The full list of 2024 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients:
Michael Bloombergentrepreneur, philanthropist and three-term mayor of New York.
Father Gregory J. BoyleJesuit Catholic priest and founder and director of Homeboy Industries, a gang rehabilitation and reentry program.
Representative Jim Clyburn, a South Carolina Democrat who served three decades in the House. He previously served as House Majority Whip and Deputy Democratic Leader.
Elizabeth Doléwho served as a senator from North Carolina from 2003 to 2009. She also served as Secretary of Transportation under President Ronald Reagan, Secretary of Labor under President George HW Bush, and President of the American Red Cross.
Phil Donahuea journalist who pioneered the issue-oriented daytime talk show.
Medgar Wiley Evers is honored posthumously. He led the fight against segregation in Mississippi after fighting for his country during World War II. He was murdered at age 37 in 1963.
Al Gore. The former vice president won the popular vote in the 2000 presidential election, but conceded the presidency to George W. Bush after a weeks-long recount battle in Florida. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work on climate change.
Clarence B. Jonesa famous civil rights activist and lawyer who helped write Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
John Kerry, who served as President Barack Obama’s secretary of state and as Mr. Biden’s special presidential envoy for climate. He earned a Silver Star and a Bronze Star for his actions during combat in the Vietnam War.
Frank R. Lautenberg is honored posthumously. The five-term New Jersey senator is remembered for his work on environmental protection and consumer safety.
Katie Ledecky won seven Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals, making her the most decorated swimmer in history.
Opal Leean educator and activist who pushed to make Juneteenth, national holiday.
Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space and the second female director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. She has flown into space four times.
Representative Nancy Pelosi of California made history in 2007 when she was elected the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House. She made history again in 2019 when she was re-elected to the position.
Jane Rigbythe chief scientist of James Webb Space Telescopethe most powerful telescope ever built.
Therese Romeropresident of the United Farm Workers and the first Latina to serve as president of a national union in the United States.
Judy Shepardco-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, an organization created in honor of her brutally murdered gay son.
James Francis Thorpe is honored posthumously. He was the first Native American to win an Olympic gold medal.
Michelle Yeoh. The actress last year he won the Oscar for best actress for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once”, becoming the first Asian to win this category.
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